Belle of the Ball: Meet Damara Cedillo, our lovely Cinderella!

Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, Romeo & Juliet, La Sylphide, Firebird, and of course, Cinderella... What do all these ballets have in common? All of the titles are also the name (or contain the name) of the lead ballerina and character in each production. You might imagine this kind of featured role comes with some pressure and stress-- but you'd never know it by watching our very own Damara Cedillo rehearse for the lead in Ballet Ariel's new full length ballet Cinderella.

Damara Cedillo in a studio shot as Cinderella (photo by Peter Strand) 

 A veteran member of Ballet Ariel, Damara is featured in the title role of Cinderella opening March 23-24th in Parker. This production is a world premiere, meaning Ilena Norton (Ballet Ariel's Artistic Director and choreographer of this ballet) has created all new choreography for this full-length fairy tale. This also means that Damara's role has been created on her with her skills and talents in mind. This is crystal clear to all who have been watching her float through Cinderella's challenging choreography as if she was born with pointe shoes on her feet. Damara is widely known in the company and in our audiences for her strong technique and strength and ability to breeze through difficult choreography. This role is no different. Her loveliness as a dancer shines brightly in the character of Cinderella as she deals with such unlovely characters as her wicked Stepmother and Stepsisters.

Damara trained at Idyllwild Arts Academy and at the summer programs of Boston Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre. Before joining Ballet Ariel here in Denver, she danced with Media City Ballet and Colorado Ballet. In her four seasons with Ballet Ariel she has performed many lead roles, including Sugar Plum Fairy and Clara in The Nutcracker and the pas de deux from Les Sylphedes.

Damara Cedillo in a studio shot as Cinderella (photo by Peter Strand)

We caught up with Damara recently to ask her a few questions about her experience playing the title role in Cinderella, and learned a few new things about her as well! Enjoy getting to know our belle of the ball, Damara Cedillo:

How long have you been dancing?

"I started dancing at the young age of 7 at Rozann-Zimmerman Ballet Center. After already playing the violin for a few years my parents decided they wanted to give me a more "active" activity. Little did they know the little dancing queen they were about to create!"

What is your favorite part about playing the role of Cinderella?

"There are so many things it is hard to pick a favorite! I would say my favorite part of the ballet is the romantic pas de deux with the Prince in Act 2. The music composed by Prokofiev is SO moving. And the choreography by Ilena Norton really shows how the couple is getting swept away with each other."

What has surprised you about playing the title role?

"The character of Cinderella has so many layers! To be tormented by her horrible Stepmother and Stepsisters, but to still be bright and happy and chipper. And then to go from that to all of the excitement at the ball and meeting the Handsome Prince for the very first time. It is definitely no easy task to portray all of these different emotions in one ballet."

Damara Cedillo

Who inspires you as an artist?

"I'd say that the person that inspires me most as "an artist" would be my mother. She worked and worked to become the successful violinist she is today. Earning scholarships to put herself through college and starting to learn her art later than most. And where most parents would probably discourage pursuing a life in the arts, there has never been anyone in my life so supportive as her."

What is your favorite activity to do outside of dance?

"Quite simply... good food and good coffee with good company."

Come see Damara be swept away to her happily ever after in the title role of Cinderella THIS weekend! March 23-24th (Friday at 7:30 pm, and Saturday at 2pm and 7:30 pm) at the beautiful new PACE Center in Parker. 

For all the information you need on seeing the show, click on over to our Facebook invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/388611027832728/

If you want to go directly to the PACE Center website to buy tickets (they are going fast, so we recommend getting your seats beforehand!) click here: http://www.parkeronline.org/index.aspx?nid=989

See you at the ball! 

Backstage at our Springfest Fundraiser!

Ryan Rose and Jessica Clayton backstage before performing "Communication Breakdown"

We had a great turnout for our Springfest Fundraiser on Friday! The intimate setting of the Brooks Center for Spirituality was a perfect venue for this delightful show. Guests were served an Italian meal complete with manicotti and tiramisu, and were entertained by a myriad of different performing arts. The audience experienced a live wind quartet (the Gossamer Winds), opera (sung live by Ballet Ariel company dancer Peter Strand, who is also a classically trained vocalist), and musical theatre (the duet "Stepsister's Lament" from Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical Cinderella, performed by Ballet Ariel's very own Stepsisters Gina Eslinger and Peter Strand).  

 The Stepsisters backstage (Gina Eslinger and Peter Strand)

Of course, we couldn't round out the evening without dance-- Gregory Gonzales presented an excerpt from his beautiful contemporary ballet "The Messenger Within." Jessica Clayton and Ryan Rose played a very convincing and funny 1950's couple in the comedy dance piece "Communication Breakdown" (choreographed by Gina Eslinger). The company ended the evening with a sneak peek of our full length Cinderella (opening this Friday at 7:30 pm), with scenes showcasing Cinderella (Damara Cedillo), her Stepsisters and Stepmother (Doina Florea), and the Dance Master (Ryan Rose). The audience loved the show and many were seen leaving with big smiles on their faces.

Damara Cedillo as Cinderella

Thanks to all the volunteers and dancers who made this fundraiser possible, and for all that came out to support Ballet Ariel! The company opens "Cinderella" at the PACE Center in Parker this Friday (shows Friday, March 23rd, at 7:30 pm; and Saturday, March 24th, at 2pm and 7:30 pm)! Don't miss Ballet Ariel's very entertaining and beautiful version of the beloved fairy tale! 
Tickets are available online here: http://www.parkeronline.org/index.aspx?nid=989


Check out our company facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/balletarieldenver
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/BalletAriel

Meet the Jester and the Prince's Right Hand Man: Ryan Seate!

 Who doesn't love to laugh? Meet the guy to make it happen-- Ryan Seate, a seasoned company member at Ballet Ariel, who is dancing the soloist role of the Jester in our full length production of Cinderella (for show information click here: http://balletariel.org/2012_Cinderella.html).

Ryan Seate in rehearsal as the Jester

 Ryan is a Colorado native and grew up playing sports through high school (baseball and football). It's not surprising to learn that he is an athlete when watching him in action as the Jester. He is full of energy, strong, and a bold mover. He fearlessly attacks (and successfully completes) difficult steps such as double tours, multiple turns, and the intricate footwork choreographed on him by Peter Strand for the role of the playful Jester. In the famous Ballroom scene of Cinderella, you'll see him playfully pulling the guests into his fun while also acting as the Prince's right hand man.

Ryan Seate in rehearsal as the Jester 

It's hard to believe Ryan has only been dancing five years when observing his natural talent and ability. His dance training began in college and continued with International Youth Ballet in Littleton and the Performing Arts Conservatory of Texas. He has been dancing professionally with Ballet Ariel for three years, as well as dancing soloist roles with Boulder Ballet. Ryan has been a guest artist around the country and danced leading roles in ballets such as Peter and the Wolf ("Peter"),  Le Corsaire, Les Sylphides, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Nutcracker ("Cavalier"), Peter Pan, Napoli, Beauty and the Beast, and Les Patineurs.

We recently caught up with Ryan and learned a bit more about him and his experience dancing the role of the Jester:

What is your favorite part about playing the role of the Jester in Cinderella?

"I love to express myself while I'm dancing the role. My character is a silly, high energy clown who wants to get a fun party started for the ballroom scenes... I personally am a silly energetic clown myself. Credit goes to my choreographer Peter Strand (editors note: Peter Strand is a contributing choreographer for certain scenes in Cinderella) who brought out my true character."

What has surprised you during this season with Ballet Ariel?

"My biggest surprise this year is I surprised myself. Due to recovering from a serious injury I thought I had lost some of my artistic personality when dancing a very demanding role... But I feel strong and confident again."

Ryan Seate

Who inspires you as an artist?

"Most of the inspiration I've carried in my career has come from working with very talented professional teachers, directors, choreographers and dancers who I still learn from everyday. Some names in particular are Rudolf Nureyev and Mr H. Christopher Fairbank. I try to learn from them as much as I can to help me expand my career."

What are some hobbies you enjoy?

"Some activities I like to do outside of dance are painting miniatures, drawing, video making, traveling and enjoying company with great friends."

Come see Ryan as the silly and confident Jester in Ballet Ariel's full length Cinderella  March 23-24th at the PACE Center in Parker! For more information check out the company Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/balletarieldenver

Or, go straight to the PACE Center website and buy tickets there directly: http://www.parkeronline.org/index.aspx?nid=989

Meet our Handsome Prince, Kevin Burke!

Every Cinderella story needs a Handsome Prince-- and that's where Ballet Ariel's Kevin Burke comes in. Dancer by day, mixologist/head barman at the award-winning Denver restaurant Colt & Grey by night, he has 17 years of dance under his belt and is ready to use it to woo the beautiful Cinderella in Ballet Ariel's full length ballet "Cinderella."

Kevin Burke and Damara Cedillo in rehearsal as Prince and Cinderella

Kevin got his start tap dancing in Caspar, Wyoming as a ten year old. His bio claims he was coerced into taking ballet classes by his sister's ballet teacher and "enrolled against his wishes," but watching Kevin in action, one can be pretty certain dance is in his blood. With his soaring jumps, meticulous musicality, and strong expansive presence onstage, it seems this Prince was born to dance.
Before joining the ranks of Ballet Ariel as a company dancer, he trained at Rocky Mountain School of Dance and the Ailey School in New York. He then returned to Colorado where he spent two seasons with David Taylor Dance Theatre. He's also been seen around town performing with other Colorado dance companies (7Dancers, Colorado Youth Ballet, and Delusions of Grandeur to name a few).
We asked Kevin a few questions about his new role, career, and life in general-- please enjoy getting to know Ballet Ariel's very own Handsome Prince!

What is your favorite part of portraying the role of the Prince?
"It's actually the first time that I have played a character lead. I've had a lead role in a piece before, but always as an abstract/contemporary role, never that of a romantic character lead. It's been a real growth opportunity as an artist to tackle the role."

Who inspires you as an artist?
"There are incredible dancers here in Denver. More-so than I think the general public is aware of. Coming out of a rough economy a lot of the smaller dance companies are still struggling. It's inspiring to see many of the dancers still going to class, honing and working on their craft, even if they are uncertain if they are going to have a shortened season. It's this sort of dedication that reminds you that it really does all come back to working on your craft, and that it's deeply personal exercise."

What is your favorite thing to do outside of dance?
"Many artists find work in the service industry to support our artistic careers. I found myself working in restaurants to help defray the costs of college tuition when I was living in New York, and it has proved to be a valuable passion for me. I absolutely love the restaurant community here in Denver."

Kevin Burke and Damara Cedillo in rehearsal as Prince and Cinderella

Come see Kevin in action as the Prince in Ballet Ariel's full length Cinderella March 23rd-24th at the PACE Center in Parker! For more information check out the company Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/balletarieldenver

Or go straight to the PACE Center website and buy your tickets-- they are already selling fast and we are just under a month away from opening night!  http://www.parkeronline.org/index.aspx?nid=989

       

Ballet Ariel's full length "Cinderella" opens March 23-24th at the PACE

The company is in full swing rehearsing for our full length "Cinderella"! Choreographed by Artistic Director Ilena Norton, you've never seen a Cinderella story quite like it. In this magical tale, poor Cinderella dreams of a better life while attempting to avoid  her nasty Stepsisters (who both want to be pop stars) and Evil Stepmother. You'll be enchanted by our captivating fairies (Fairy Godmother with her entourage: The Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter Fairies), magical dragonflies, distinguished coachmen, and elegant waltzing ballroom dancers. And what Cinderella story is complete without love at first sight between the Handsome Prince and the sweet and beautiful Cinderella? Come and see what happens when her glass slipper is left behind at the ball, and happily ever after is expressed through the delightful medium of dance. Details below (performances are part of the opening season of the new PACE Center in Parker-- a beautiful new performing arts facility that will take your breath away)!

Location: PACE Center in Parker, CO; 20000 Pikes Peak Ave, Parker CO 80138; http://www.parkeronline.org/index.aspx?NID=989
Performance Dates/Times: Friday March 23rd, 7:30 pm;  Saturday March 24th, 2 and 7:30 pm

Ticket Info: $16 and up

Ticket Reservations:  http://www.parkeronline.org/index.aspx?nid=989  (or call 303-805-6800); or balletariel.org (you may also call Ballet Ariel directly at 303-945-4388)
**tickets are already selling fast, so get your seats soon!

Official Ballet Ariel Facebook page (for the most up to date photos, information, and fun tidbits of what the company is up to!): https://www.facebook.com/balletarieldenver
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/BalletAriel

(Next up on Ballet Ariel's blogspot: Meet our Handsome Prince, Kevin Burke!)

The Nutcracker Diaries: Clara and First Love

Clara (Damara Cedillo) and Herr Drosselmeyer (Paul Fiorino) in Ballet Ariel's "The Nutcracker"

 Who among us has not experienced hearing "The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" over the loudspeakers at every mall, Starbucks, and Walmart sinceThanksgiving? This piece was made famous by the beloved ballet "The Nutcracker," the story of a young Clara and her Nutcracker Prince. Have you ever wondered how this particular story became the most coveted Christmas tradition for so many ballet companies and schools around the world? What makes this particular story so special, and to be the one ballet produced every single year?

"The Nutcracker," based on the E.T.A. Hoffman tale "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King," was choreographed for the Russian ballet company Mariinsky Ballet in 1892 by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov and has become one of the most beloved ballets in history. We first meet our heroine Clara at the center of her family's Christmas party. Damara Cedillo, who dances the role of Clara with Ballet Ariel this year, reminisced with us a bit about her history with this influential ballet: "Some of my fondest memories include being backstage with my mother for every performance of Joffrey’s Nutcracker, and being escorted around by many different prima ballerinas while my mother was playing in the orchestra pit… My first opportunity to dance the role of Clara was given to me just last year and I was terribly excited. The flood of emotions I experienced (I was a very romantic child) while watching the role came straight back while getting to dance the part myself."

Damara Cedillo as Clara in the Land of the Snow

 At the heart of this tale is not only the famous Nutcracker doll, but a young girl Clara who is growing up. Her beloved Nutcracker, after his battle with the evil Mouse King, sheds his soldier-like garb and transforms into a handsome Prince (Peter Strand and Kevin Burke alternate in this role). Among the dancing dolls, snowflakes, sweets, and amazing score by Tchaikovsky, we experience first love through Clara's eyes. Young as well older audience members will be dazzled by the colors, costumes, and the pure beauty of dance as Clara and her Prince travel through the Land of Snow and arrive in the Kingdom of the Sweets. In addition, the adults in our audience will remember the sweetness and innocence of what it feels like to fall in love for the first time.

The Ballet Ariel company and school open with this charming rendition of "The Nutcracker" in two days (Dec. 3rd, 2011). They perform for three weekends (first weekend at Rock Canyon High Theatre and second two weekends at Cleo Parker Robinson Theatre) so there are plenty of chances to experience this wonderful story through dance. More details below-- don't wait to purchase tickets and arrive to a sold out show!

Show info:

*Saturday, December 3rd at 7:30 pm, Rock Canyon High Theatre 
Address: 5810 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch, CO

*December 10th-11th & 17th-18th, all shows at 3 pm, Cleo Parker Robinson Theatre
Address: 119 Park Ave West; Denver, CO

***For tickets visit http://balletariel.org/

More information below:
Facebook invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/276147555757002/
Company website: balletariel.org (tickets available online here)

Nutcracker Sneak Peek Video!

Ballet Ariel's production of the holiday classic "The Nutcracker" gets bigger and more beautiful every year! This year promises to the the best yet. Don't miss this engaging and lovely version of one of the most famous ballets in history. We open in less than two weeks and offer three weekends of shows from December 3rd-18th.


Show info:
*December 3rd at 7:30 pm at Rock Canyon High Theatre
Address: 5810 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch, CO
*December 10th-11th & 17th-18th, all shows 3 pm at Cleo Parker Robinson Theatre
Address: 119 Park Ave West; Denver, CO

***For tickets visit http://balletariel.org/

More information below:
Facebook invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/276147555757002/
Company website: balletariel.org (tickets available online here)